MARION BERNARD is an architecture agency created in 2009 by Manon Gaillet and Sylvain Bérard. Behind this name, created from scratch, lies a very singular duo. They met on the benches of the high school and met again after their studies of architecture in their city of origin: Marseille. Sylvain studied at Pennhingen school and Manon at ENSA Paris-Malaquais, which had a new way of teaching, allowing them to choose a branch of architecture every six months. They won the competition for the construction of the Institut méditerranéen de la ville et des territoires in Marseille, which will be built by 2022, and this encouraged them to continue their collaboration.

Each of them has a singular approach to architecture through graphic design or the range of professions linked to housing, and this duo breaks down the way of thinking about architecture to bring it a generosity centred on the way of living and the space experienced. Their work with concrete in all its forms and effects becomes a signature.

They overcome questions of functionality and use to come closer to the dreamed and imaginary space. The agency’s field of experimentation is growing and diversifying. Urban planning, scenography or exhibitions such as in 2017 for the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, during the curation of the “30 architects” exhibition or more recently for the creation of the Sessùn Alma shop in Marseille. Their love for theatre and decor gives their project a scenic and poetic charge: “We love the dreamlike power of art, which is eminently more abstract than architecture.”

Opening up architecture by inviting art, showing practices and sharing modes of expression will be their leitmotiv in the realization of private and public commissions. By definition, the fact of building freezes. Manon and Sylvain like to work on their projects in such a way that even once they are built, the imagination of each person can still be exercised.